Is Your Trust Fully Funded? Why It Matters More Than You Think

You’ve taken the crucial step of creating a trust to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored—but is your trust actually working for you? Many people mistakenly believe that once their trust is signed, their estate plan is complete. However, if your assets aren’t properly titled in the trust, your estate could still face probate, unnecessary taxes, and legal complications.

What Does It Mean to Fund Your Trust?

Funding your trust means transferring ownership of your assets into the name of the trust. This process varies depending on the type of asset:

✅ Real Estate – A new deed must be prepared to transfer property into the trust. Even if your home was originally titled into your trust, refinancing, moving, or purchasing new property may have changed that. Many lenders require properties to be temporarily removed from a trust to complete a refinance—but they don’t always put them back. This means your home, one of your most significant assets, may no longer be in your trust.

✅ Bank Accounts – Your accounts need to be retitled in the trust’s name or have updated beneficiary designations.

✅ Investment Accounts – Stocks, bonds, and brokerage accounts should be retitled or have proper transfer-on-death (TOD) designations if you are using those funds to gift within your trust.

✅ Life Insurance Policies – You may need to update your beneficiaries to align with your estate plan.

✅ Business Interests – Ownership shares should be transferred or assigned to the trust.

Failing to fund your trust means these assets could still go through probate—defeating one of the main reasons for setting up a trust in the first place.

The Risks of an Unfunded or Partially Funded Trust

If your trust isn’t properly funded, it won’t provide the protections you intended. Here are some key risks:

❌ Probate Costs & Delays – Assets not in the trust may go through probate, which is time-consuming and expensive.

❌ Legal Challenges – Without a properly funded trust, there could be disputes over asset distribution.

❌ Unexpected Tax Consequences – Your estate may face unnecessary taxation due to improper titling.

❌ Loved Ones Left in Limbo – If assets aren’t correctly assigned, your beneficiaries may struggle to access them.

When Should You Review Your Trust?

Even if you originally funded your trust, life changes can impact its effectiveness. You should review and update your trust if:

🔹 You’ve bought or sold property.

🔹 You’ve refinanced your home.

🔹 You’ve opened new bank or investment accounts.

🔹 You’ve changed jobs or received new benefits.

🔹 You’ve had a major life event (marriage, divorce, birth, or death in the family).

🔹 It has been 2-3 years since your last review.

Limited-Time Offer: Get a Trust Review for Just $315

To ensure your trust is properly funded and up to date, we’re offering a trust review consultation for just $315 (regularly $415) if you book before April 15 and use the code FUND when you book .

📞 Call our office today (530-217-3520) or schedule online HERE to schedule your appointment and secure your family’s future.